Reflecting Back now...

The experiences of completing the MFA in Sculpture at Southern IllinoisUniversity has been and continues to be, the enrichment of my life as an artist, sculptor, and business owner.  Being young, idealistic and excited about taking on higher education and moving from California to Southern Illinois exploded into so many facets by working with Thomas Walsh. Thomas openly exposed every student to the inherent challenges of becoming a sculptor. The challenges presented were not easy at all. Thomas would prepare us and remind us, we are in getting a license, MFA, to teach at the University Level.

For me, Thomas’ energy and intensity in the foundry lab opened the pathways of creative discipline and total experimentation. This was apparent in his patinated bronze and aluminum sculpture.  His art was/ is for me mystical, inspirational and beautiful. I always felt an unwavering directness brought forth by Thomas: We are sculptors, we are challenged, we conquer, we are moving on, we are going forward. That ideological construct was instilled in me at Carbondale and I have relied on it as well as the luck, joy, and success it has brought me.

I reminisce how I / we fellow students wrestled with casting metal, the difficulties, challenges, and the competition among peers to make outstanding sculpture. We shared comradery via the sweat in that beautiful foundry. And of course, a heck of a lot of fun doing it. That opened up lasting friendships. Our weekly Rap session critiques did as well. They were intense providing the arena to argue, to defend, to agree or not agree but truly enlighten. We got to know each other, gained respect, and developed a bond. “Can you help me pour Wed?” The visiting artist program provided students opportunities to host and interact with professional artists. The exposure to the realm of professionalism was an incredible experience for me and my fellow grad students. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the intensity and challenges of the foundry and working on my MFA. I was new in town, just married and broke.  I asked Thomas for a job and he put me to work in the foundry lab. Luckily, I found my way and subsequently, through time, a pathway evolved leading me to work professionally with foundry, sculpture, and metal art ever since.

Thank you Thomas Walsh and all my fellow students Class of 1988